France was thrown into chaos on Wednesday as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets under the banner of the “Block Everything” movement.
Protesters disrupted transport networks, barricaded highways, and clashed with police in escalating anger directed at President Emmanuel Macron, the political elite, and the government’s latest austerity drive.
The movement began online in May, initially pushed by right-wing groups before gaining momentum among leftist and far-left activists.
In a few months, it has grown into a nationwide rebellion reminiscent of the 2018–2019 Yellow Vest uprising that shook Macron’s presidency.
According to Reuters, the protests coincided with heightened political turmoil in Paris.
Conservative politician Sébastien Lecornu was sworn in as Macron’s new prime minister after parliament forced out his predecessor over controversial spending cuts.
The timing further fueled tensions across the country.
Authorities deployed more than 80,000 police officers nationwide, with 6,000 stationed in Paris.
Despite the massive security presence, defiant scenes flared in cities from Nantes to Montpellier.
In Nantes, demonstrators set tires and trash bins on fire to block a major highway before police fired tear gas to disperse them.
In Rennes, protesters torched a city bus, while in Montpellier, roundabouts were barricaded under banners demanding, “Macron resign.”
Paris saw some of the most volatile confrontations.
Youths blocked high schools and piled bicycles to build barricades, while scuffles broke out near Châtelet shopping mall.
Firefighters raced to extinguish smoldering streets as tear gas filled the air.
The French interior ministry told CNN that 327 people had been detained nationwide.
The education ministry confirmed that nearly 100 schools were disrupted, with 27 fully blockaded by students and activists.
Organizers of the Block Everything campaign say their goal is to “bring the country to a halt.”
They hope to paralyze public services, education, and transportation, drawing comparisons to the Yellow Vest revolt.
Then, the fury centered on fuel taxes and cost-of-living pressures. Today, the target is Macron’s austerity program and widespread anger at France’s political class.
The Guardian reported that more than 100,000 people are expected to join the coordinated protests. With barricades rising and chants of “Macron resign” echoing across cities, analysts warn that France now faces one of its most dangerous waves of unrest since 2019.
The upheaval threatens not only Macron’s latest budget plans but also his newly appointed prime minister, who risks losing credibility before even beginning his role.